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I can leave. And Henry’s not allowed to stop me. It takes a moment to sink in.
“Congrats, Trouble.”
A giant grin spreads across my face as I stand up and spin around to face my new friend. “I don’t care what anyone says about trolls, Terrance; you are one stand-up man.” As he laughs, I lightly punch his shoulder. It’s the closest I can manage to a physical gesture of appreciation—I am so not a hugger. “Thank you. Seriously. For trying to stop him at the club earlier. For coming to the Agency. Being here right now. No one’s ever stuck up for me like that before.”
“It was my pleasure. You’re welcome in my club anytime. Wulf and I’ll look out for you.”
I smile, but before I can tell him thanks-but-no-thanks, Wulf approaches us. “A word of caution for you, Nora.” His low voice is surprisingly soft with compassion. “The underworld can be a harsh and dangerous place.”
“Buddy, I live inDetroit.”
I kick myself for that lovely bit of sarcasm. Mouthing off to a werewolf can’t be smart. Luckily, he just smirks and says, “A fitting training ground. However, the more you interact with our world, the more you will face new dangers. You are still human. It won’t be easy for you.”
I’m grateful for the warning, but he’s preaching to the choir. “You don’t have to worry about me. I don’t plan to jump in headfirst or anything. I’d rather not jump in at all.” I give Terrance a sheepish smile. “Thanks for the offer, T. Your club is kickass, but I’m not sure it should really be my playground, if you know what I mean.”
Terrance sighs at the truth in my statement.
“What do you plan to do?” Ren asks. He and Director West have come over, looking politely inquisitive.
I blow out a long breath, wishing I had a solid answer. “I’m not sure exactly, other than get out of town. I’ve got a little money saved up. It’s not much, but it’ll get me a bus ticket and an apartment somewhere.”
“You’re going to leave Detroit?” Parker asks, coming over to join the conversation.
Henry is behind him, but he’s keeping a little distance. I ignore the pout on his face and nod to the entire group. “That’s been the goal since I was a kid. I’ve been stalling trying to save money, but Xavier has made for some pretty good incentive to leave. I’ve got to help Terrance find his sister’s friend if I can first, but then, yeah, I’m gone.”
Terrance’s eyes snap wide. “You still want to help me find Shandra?”
I don’t understand why he’s so shocked. After what he’s just done for me, the least I can do is try to help him. “Of course I still want to help. Not that there’ll be much I can do unless we get a lead on that car.”
“Nora.” Terrance swallows back a lump of emotion. “You don’t have to do that. It’s dangerous, and you want to leave. You’ve done enough to help already.”
He’s saying no, but there’s hope in his eyes. It makes me smile. I’ve never told anyone about my gifts before, much less used them to help someone. It’s a nice feeling, and Terrance deserves the help. “Don’t be ridiculous, Terrance; of course I’m going to help you. I don’t make friends easily, but when I’ve got your back, I’ve got it. And T-Man, I’ve got your back. From now on. You feel me?”
Now I’m being absurd, holding my fist out to Terrance for a fist bump. Terrance grins and crashes his huge, meaty hand against my knuckles. “Right back atcha, Trouble. No matter where you end up after this, you need me, I’m there.”
“You’re welcome to stay,” Director West says. “If you need a job, you could come work for the Agency—gifts like yours could prove very useful.”
I shake my head automatically. “Thanks, but I just want to keep my head down and my nose out of trouble. Your world isn’t exactly safe for humans. Besides, I could use the change. I’ve got a lot of bad memories here that I’d like to escape…and certain asshole vampires to avoid.”
Director West lifts an arched brow at me, but the corner of her mouth tips up into a small smile. “Very well. Stay safe, Nora, and good luck in your next venture.”
After saying good-bye and giving my thanks to everyone, I make my way to the back of the room, where Oliver is still sitting at the table. He starts to fidget when I approach, but he stays put knowing I’ve got questions. “Oliver, hey.”
“Hi, Nora.”
I sit down next to him and offer a smile to put him at ease. He runs his fingers through his hair and then tucks both of his hands in his lap.
“So…” I ask the million-dollar question. “You work here?”
He meets my gaze and gives me a small, almost cocky smile as he shrugs a shoulder. “I’m the assistant director.”
“Seriously?” My eyes bulge. That title sounds important. Like…is heNick’sboss? Sweet, cute Oliver? He certainly looks the part now. He’s handsome in his suit and seems to have more confidence than he had on the bus yesterday. “If you have a good job here, what in the world are you doing hanging at the library and taking the bus out in my neighborhood every night?”
Oliver’s cheeks blush. “I was keeping an eye on you.”
My jaw falls slack, and I quickly pop my mouth shut. My mind starts racing. What did he mean by that? Why would he be looking out for me? How did he even know who I am? It was sweet that he was worried about me, but it was a little creepy at the same time. Was hestalkingme?
Oliver grimaces, as if he knows exactly what I’m thinking. “You don’t remember, but we’ve met before. Years ago. I’ve been looking out for you ever since.”
